70th Aerial Port Squadron

• Establishment: The 70th Aerial Port Squadron (70 APS) was first constituted and activated in the United States Air Force Reserve, playing a pivotal role in air cargo and passenger movement operations. • Location: The squadron is based at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, providing aerial port capabilities to support air mobility operations. • Cargo Handling Expertise: Members of the 70th APS are experts in loading, unloading, and securing all types of cargo and vehicles onto various aircraft, including C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, and C-5 Galaxy. • Humanitarian Missions: The 70th APS has supported numerous humanitarian aid missions, including disaster relief efforts after hurricanes and earthquakes in the Caribbean and Central America. • Support to Operations: The squadron has provided vital air transportation support for Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and other contingency operations overseas. • Port Dawg Tradition: The squadron is part of the “Port Dawgs” community—a term affectionately used for aerial porters, known for their camaraderie and esprit de corps. • Aerial Port Rodeos: The 70th APS often competes in Air Force and Air Mobility Command “Rodeos”—competitive events showcasing aerial port skills like pallet buildup, vehicle loading, and timed loading/offloading. • Diversity of Roles: Squadron personnel include air transportation specialists, load planners, riggers, and passenger service agents, demonstrating a wide range of logistical and technical skills. • Civic Engagement: The unit is involved in local community outreach and veteran support activities, fostering strong ties with the Florida community. • Decorations and Recognition: The 70th APS and its members have earned numerous awards and commendations for outstanding service, mission success, and dedication to the Air Force Reserve’s global mobility mission.